Wrap: Bartlett tops Hoffman; Rockets roll to easy win

For teams to advance in the playoffs it takes a lot more then individual talent. On a breezy Tuesday afternoon on their home field the Bartlett Hawks got outstanding pitching, great defense, and timely hitting for a total team victory over the Hoffman Estates Hawks, winning 5-1 in the semifinals of the Class 4A Bartlett regional.

Bartlett (27-6) will play for a regional title Saturday at 11 a.m. against the winner of today's St. Charles East vs. Glenbard North game.

In the top of the first Bartlett pitcher Lauren Wydra (7 strikeouts) got out of a two-on with no outs jam by collecting a strikeout and getting a double play when second baseman Nicole Beck placed the tag on a runner and tossed the ball to first ending the threat.

The bottom of the first saw the Bartlett bats give Wydra the lead by scoring 2 runs with two outs.

Then in the bottom of the third the Hawks put some distance between themselves and Hoffman Estates (11-20-1) when junior Rachel Anello stepped up with the bases loaded and crushed a ball over the right fielder's head for a 3-run double.

"Before the game coach Wolf said he knew I was going to have a big day," said Anello. "When I stepped in the box I looked over at him and he had a big smile on his face."

That smile never left Bartlett coach Jim Wolfsmith's face as he watched his defense continue to dazzle behind Wydra's stellar effort.

In the top of the sixth Bartlett turned a double play when third baseman Megan Morales caught a hot shot at third, gunned it to second for one, and watched as the ball ended up in Anello's glove at first completing the play.

Then with a runner on second and one out in the top of seventh, center fielder Concetta Lampugnano made a spectacular diving catch effectively stopping a potential Hoffman Estates rally.

"To win in the playoffs you have to have good pitching, good defense, and good swings," said Wolfsmith. "When you do all those things well something good is bound to happen."

It was a gritty effort by the Hoffman Estates squad which didn't go unnoticed by their coach, Lindsay Hamma.

"I am proud of these girls," said Hamma. "They really stepped up and competed this year."

Burlington Central 13, Aurora Central Catholic 0: The Rockets' Erica Maisto pitched a 3-hit shutout to defeat Aurora Central Catholic at the Class 3A Rosary regional. Maisto remains undefeated in the circle this season with a record of 16-0 and won her area record 76th career game. Maisto pitched 5 innings with 6 strikeouts and no walks. On offense BC (31-1) scored all 13 runs in the third inning and was led by Kayla Oranger (2-for-4, 3B, 2 RBI) and Brooke Porto (3B, 3 RBI). Ashley Scheffler (2-for-4), Brittany Priest (2-for-4) and Maisto (2-for-3) all contributed for the Rockets, who will take on the winner of today's Kaneland vs. Rosary game for the regional title on Saturday. "

combined 11 hits in this short 5 inning contest.

" After we got through the order one time we got things going," said BC coach Scot Sutherland. "We hit the ball hard and took advantage of their miscues."